Marks & Spencer orders 30% more key items for latest range to combat problem of running out of favourite stock

Last chance? Marc Bolland has unveiled the latest autumn/winter collection

Marks & Spencer has ordered 30 per cent more key items in its latest range after a previous issue with running out of stock.

Chief executive Marc Bolland unveiled the latest autumn/winter collection last night in what many see as his last chance to turn around the troubled business.

He said: ‘We are one step forward in the journey and are holding the customers’ hand as we move.’

Women’s clothing has been a thorn in the side for Bolland, who has been attempting to breathe new life into Britain’s biggest clothing retailer.

It has been blighted by troubles such as selling out of key items and encountering distribution problems, and the jury is still out on whether the new fashion team is delivering the right items to fuel a lift in sales.

Fashion boss John Dixons said M&S is building momentum, as well as bringing more design in house: ‘We certainly didn’t say we would crack it on the back of one season.’